 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: klipimong
Date: 2013-07-26 02:01
Alright so I've been doing a lot of research on barrels tonight and I"ve come across a specific barrel that would fit me: The traditional Backun barrel (67mm). The barrel I have now is Leblanc and it came with my Leblanc Sonata. It's 66mm and I have to pull out when I play. What my main concern here is should I go for the extra millimeter and take the risk of it being too long? Will one millimeter make that much of a difference? Or should I go a little pricier and get a Moenning or a shorter Backun? Thanks.
Crestview High School Big Red Machine
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Author: gemini-clarinet
Date: 2013-07-26 02:12
I use Backun barrels on my Selmer 10S Bb and A and my Selmer Centered Tone Eb clarinets. The one I use on my Bb and A is a 65 and I have to pull that out a little. It depends on which group I play with and the weather conditions so I like to have a little bit of room to play with. I wouldn't want to change to a longer one and end up playing flat. If it's a little too short, you're fine. You can always pull it out a bit. If you go with one that is too long, you will not play in tune.
BARRY
Tucson, AZ
Post Edited (2013-07-26 02:16)
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Author: klipimong
Date: 2013-07-26 02:30
Thanks! The main reason I'm replacing my barrel is because it wiggles down when I play so I have to push it back up after every time I play (and I think it'll improve my sound). What do you think is causing this problem? It is an old barrel so I considered it was just time to get a new one and a worker at my local music store just said I need a new one, but he didn't say why. I also had my suspicion that it may need re-corking. Any suspicions?
Crestview High School Big Red Machine
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Author: klipimong
Date: 2013-07-26 02:32
And, which is better: Th ringless version of the traditional Backun, or just the regular version? For sound purposes and whatnot.
Crestview High School Big Red Machine
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Author: gemini-clarinet
Date: 2013-07-26 02:36
I have many clarinets in my collection and I have come across that problem. Re corking the top joint usually helps.
I had the Eb re corked and the barrel still moved down. I just put some plumbers teflon tape over the new cork and that has solved the problem completely. It is not sticky on the back side and only sticks to itself, so you don't have the problem of any residue on the cork if you have to replace it.
I use the ringless ones and I have found them to be excellent. I have not used the version with the rings, so I can't make any comment on the difference in sound between the two. I can say that the ones I use make a great improvement in tone and intonation over my stock barrels. I also use a traditional style bell with voicing groove.
Barry
Tucson, AZ
Post Edited (2013-07-26 02:42)
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Author: klipimong
Date: 2013-07-26 02:51
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for your re-corking? And where can you usually find this plumbers teflon tape? Also, have you tried any other types of Backun barrels? If so, where did you find them and for how much? Thanks.
Crestview High School Big Red Machine
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Author: gemini-clarinet
Date: 2013-07-26 03:23
I have an excellent instrument tech in town who does a lot of work for me and I think he just bundled the cork in while he was adjusting a couple of my saxophones, so I really don't know exactly what he charged .
You can find the teflon tape at any hardware store. If you can't find anyone to replace the cork, you can just put the tape over the existing cork for now. The stuff is pretty slick, so you don't have to use cork grease over it.
I bought all of my barrels on Ebay. If you search for them, you can usually find new and used ones at really good prices. I think I paid between 50 and 60 dollars for them. I REALLY lucked out a couple weeks ago and got a new cocobolo Backun bell for my Eb clarinet for around 20 dollars. Just be patient and compare prices.
Also, be aware that some bells and barrels are made specifically for Selmer clarinets and others fit Buffet, LeBlanc and Yamaha. Be sure you order the right ones for your instrument and if it doesn't tell you in the listing, don't hesitate to contact the seller and ask. Be sure to check not only the item price, but the total cost after shipping. Very often, the item price can be reasonable, but the shipping cost can by extremely high. You have to be careful about that before you bid or buy on auction sites.
Barry
Tucson, AZ
Post Edited (2013-07-26 03:39)
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Author: klipimong
Date: 2013-07-26 03:47
Does a new bell make that much of a difference? I thought bells didn't make that much of a difference in the first place.
Also, is it possible to have a cocobolo bell on a grenadilla clarinet? Like, will it still improve the sound or will it sound different than grenadilla?
Crestview High School Big Red Machine
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Author: gemini-clarinet
Date: 2013-07-26 04:50
David is right , I should have mentioned that teflon tape isn't "TAPE" in the sense that we usually think of it. It sticks only to itself. There is no adhesive.
It is certainly possible to have a cocobolo barrel and/or bell on a grenadilla clarinet. Many players use them. It has improved the sound on my clarinets. I can't really say what the difference in sound is between grenadilla barrels and bells and cocobolo. They are available in both of these woods as well as other varieties. I bought the cocobolo ones because that is what was available when I was ready to buy them. I know that tulip wood is also popular, but I have never tried them on my instruments. My Backun bells have improved the sound of my Bb and Eb clarinets. I don't have one for my A but I am thinking about getting one.
BARRY
Tucson, AZ
Post Edited (2013-07-26 05:04)
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